Santa Monica Close-up

Local drag queen @Facisha_Farce reads an ocean and environmental conservation storybook entitled, "Stella Rose and the Sea Dragon" by Stella Harris during Drag Queen Story Time @healthebayaquarium, Saturday, June 12, 2021.

Queers on the Pier is a celebration of inclusivity and community through queer art and representation. In the spirit of community, Heal the Bay is proud to present our very first Drag Reading series in honor of Pride Month! These private events will feature local drag queens Fasicha Farse and Ruthless Envy on Saturday, June 12th and Saturday, June 19th, who will be reading ocean and conservation-themed storybooks at Heal the Bay Aquarium in Santa Monica. Guests will also have the exclusive opportunity to explore our indoor gallery and exhibits before we officially re-open our doors to the public! This event is for all ages.

Meaning of Queerness: n. The state or condition of being strange. The term “queer” has a number of definitions but historically, the term “queer’ has been used in a derogatory way to dehumanize, harm, and humiliate members of the LGBTQIA+ community. In today’s society, any sexual orientation other than heterosexual is scrutinized, invalidated, and othered. Like most things in life however, sexual orientation exists on a spectrum and to have variations on sexual behavior is a naturally occurring phenomena. Many members of the LGBTQIA+ community have reclaimed the term “queer” as an all-encompassing expression to include all the various members of the community, and that is how we at Heal the Bay are aiming to utilize this term as well. Radical inclusion and increased queer representation are the essence of these events. #PRIDE #SaMoPRIDE #pridemonth 🏳️‍🌈

📷 Fabian Lewkowicz